Presentation Video
Birding Photography Tours, Galapagos Wildlife Tours
Andes to Galapagos: 14 Days from Cloud Forest to Penguins
Possible 300 - 400 Bird Species
Tailor-Made Focus at your own pace and flexible!
Visit the Andes, Choco Andino, Mindo Valley, East Slope Cloud Forest, Galapagos Islands including North Seymour and Bartolome!
Expert Bilingual Guides: over 25 years of birding experience
Observe specialties like Condors, Andea Cock of the Rock, Galapagos Penguin, Galapagos Hawks, Marine Iguanas, Land Iguanas, Galapagos Seals.
Top Birding Reserve – Includes iconic locations like Antisana Condor Observatory, Mindo Cloud Forest, and North Seymour Island with snorkeling opportunities
Top Logistics – Includes Airport Transfers, Private transportation, Meals, Entrance Fees, Top Birding Guides, Lodges, and more!
24/7 Customer Support – We will ensure your trip goes smoothly and can be reached anytime via whatsapp at +593 99 373 2879.
Contact Information
View Our Wildlife Map
Our Birding Map
Andes (Our Base)
HJ: Hacienda Jimenita
West Slope Cloud Forest
W1. Sachatamia Lodge
East Slope Cloud Forest
E1. San Isidro Lodge
Location of hotel
G1. Puerto Ayora Hotels
Itinerary
Day
01
ARRIVAL TO ECUADOR.
Private Transfer in to our Birding Lodge, Hacienda Jimenita, located 15 minutes from the airport. No meals included.
Black-tailed Trainbearer
Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager
Vermillion Flycatcher
Day
2
PENAS BLANCAS RAINBOW-BEARDED THORNBILL ROAD & JIMENITA BIRDING TRAILS
Morning birding at Penas Blancas Birding Road near Papallacta Pass, a special location for High Andean Species and Hummingbirds. Other specialties like the elusive Spectacled Bear can be observed. In the afternoon visit Jimenita Reserve to explore the main feeders and viewing point for local specialities. Rest of the afternoon relax in our natural paradise.
Targets: Black-tailed Trainbearer, Sparkling Violetear, Western Emerald, Saffron Finch, Vermillion Flycatcher, Hooded Siskin, White-bellied Woodstar, Great Thrush, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Rusty Flowerpiercer, Harris Hawk, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Purple-backed Thornbill, Giant Conebill, Tawny Antpitta and others.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Welcome Dinner
Overnight Hacienda Jimenita, King Suite with chimney
Red-crested Cotinga
Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe
Tawny Antpitta
Day
3
ANTISANA CONDOR OBSERVATORY & WILDLIFE RESERVE
Pick up from our lodge at 6:30 am and drive towards the Upper Andean Valleys near Antisana Volcano. The Antisana Condor Observatory is the most impressive Andean Mount near Quito and Sanctuary of Wild Andean Condor. Upon arrival to the reserve we will observe the Condors from our Tower and other Hawks, Flowerpiercers, and Hummingbirds with an splendid view to the Waterfall. Continue to Antisana National Park making strategic stops to observe different bird species. We will have lunch viewing Secas Lagoon. After lunch, return to our Lodge surrounded with nature and birding reserve.
Targets: Andean Condor, Shining Sunbeam, Red-Crested Cotinga, Spectacled Redstart, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Caranculated Cara-Cara, Black-chested Buzzard Eagle, Variable Hawk, Black Flowerpiercer, Andean Ibis, Andean Lapwing, Many-striped Canastero, Tawny Antpitta, Giant Hummingbird, Tyrian Metaltail, Andean Duck and others.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight Hacienda Jimenita, King Suite with chimney
Andean Condor
Andean Ibises
Spectacled Bear
Day
4
ZURO LOMA ANTPITTAS, OLD-NONO MINDO ROAD and ALAMBI HUMMINGBIRD PARADISE
Early pick up at 530am from our lodge. Drive towards Zuro Loma located in the Pichincha Foothills. We will visit the Antpitta Hides and Sword-billed Hummingbird in Zuro Loma Feeders. Continue birding in Old-Nono Mindo Road towards Tandayapa Valley and lunch at Alambi Hummingbird Paradise. Late afternoon arrival to our lodge in Upper Tandayapa Valley and possible Plate-billed Mountain Toucans at the feeders.
Targets: Sword-billed Hummingbird, Equatorial Antpitta, Chestnut-naped Antpitta, Ocellated Tapaculo, Golden-breasted Puffleg, Great Sapphirewing, Blue-backed Conebill, Burrowing Owl, White-throated Screech Owl, Cloud-Forest Pigmy Owl, Black-chested Mountain Tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Plate-billed Mountain Toucan and others.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight Guaycapi Lodge, Double Room with Balcony
Crimson-rumped Toucanet
Yanacocha Reserve
Shining Sunbeam
Day
5
ANGEL PAZ ANDEAN COCK OF THE ROCK LEK AND TOUCAN HIDES
Early morning pick up around 530am to visit the Andean Cock of the Rock Lek and photography hides of Antpittas, Tanagers, Toucan-Barbets, Quails, Hawks, and other exotic choco endemic bird species. Continue for Lunch in our Lodge and afternoon explore the Choco Toucan Hides. Afternoon continue to our lodge in Mindo Valley.
Possible Olinguito and Kinkajou Night activity.
Targets: Andean Cock of the Rock, Masked Trogon, Dark-backed Wood-Quail, Violet-tailed Sylph, Velvet-Purple Coronet, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Red-billed Parrot, Bronze-winged Parrot, Moustached Antpitta, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Yellow-breasted Antpitta, Ochre breasted Antpitta, Scaled Antpitta, Golden Tanager, Golden-naped Tanager, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Flame-faced Tanager, Toucan Barbet, Sunbittern, Beryl-spangled Tanager and others.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight Sachatamia Lodge, Double Room Cabin
Andean Cock of the Rock
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta
Toucan Barbet
Day
6
LONG-WATTLED UMBRELLABIRD LEK, LOWLANDS AND MINDO VALLEY
Morning birding in Umbrellabird Reserve in the Choco Lowlands, we will aim to observe the males at the lek and choco toucans. Continue to Fruty Trail with woodpecker and tanager feeders. Then in the afternoon visit Mindo Valley for possible Sunbittern, Hummingbirds and Aracaris.
Night Tour Reptiles and Insects in Sachatamia Reserve
Targets: Double-banded Graytail, Long-wattled Umbrellabird, Scarlet-breasted Dacnis, Scarlet-and-white Tanager, Blue-whiskered Tanager, Plumbeous Hawk, Masked Tityra, Blue-necked Tanager, Green Honeycreeper, Orange-breasted Barbet, Choco Toucan, Scarlet-browed Tanager, Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Double-toothed Kite and others.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight Sachatamia Lodge, Double Room Cabin
Day
7
AMAGUSA MASHPI RESERVE & OIL BIRDS CAVE
Pick up at 6:00 am for a full-day birding adventure at Amagusa Mashpi Reserve, one of the world’s premier hotspots for biodiversity. This reserve protects one of the last remaining foothill forests seamlessly connected to the lower subtropical western forests of Ecuador, making it an essential destination for birders seeking Chocó endemics. After lunch continue to El Chontal to visit the Oilbird Caves, where these nocturnal frugivores can be observed in their roosting sites. In the afternoon, return to Quito.
Targets: Glistening-green tanager, Moss-backed Tanager, Black-chinned Mountain Tanager, Orange-breasted Fruiteater, Choco Vireo, Empress Brilliant, Green Thorntail, Rose-faced Parrot, Spinetails, Chlorophonias, Rufous- throated Tanager, Broad-billed Motmot, Indigo Flowerpiercer, Oil Birds and others.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight Hacienda Jimenita, King Suite with chimney
Rufous-throated Tanager
Empress Brilliant
Yellow-throated Toucan
Day
8
ANDEAN MOTMOT RESERVE, CONCIERTO DE AVES FEEDERS AND SAN ISIDRO OWL OBSERVATION
We’ll start the morning with birding around Río Quijos Lodge, exploring nearby trails before breakfast. Continue birding at the main trails for Andean Motmots, Torrent Duck and other mixed flocks. After lunch, continue to Concierto de Aves in Borja Valley for other Hummingbird Specialties and possible Andean Cock of the Rock - East Subspecie. Continue to San Isidro Reserve, surrounded by lush cloud forest and vibrant mixed-species flocks.
Night Owl Observation and possible Mountain Tapir.
Targets: Andean Motmot, Andean Cock of the Rock, Montane and Olive-backed Woodcreepers, Golden-crowned Flycatcher, Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher, Black-billed Peppershrike, Inca Jay, Subtropical Cacique, White-bellied Antpitta, Long-tailed Antbirds, Plain-tailed Wrens and Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonias, Andean Potoo and Black-banded Owl.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Cabanas San Isidro Lodge, Double Room
Black-banded Owl
Tawny-bellied Hermit
Andean Motmot
Day
9
WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA FEEDER, MOTH FEEDERS, GUANGO RESERVE AND RETURN TO QUITO.
Early morning birding in San Isidro Moth Feeders and White-bellied Antpitta Photography Hide. Then continue to Guango Reserve in the East Cloud Forest and explore the main trails of the reserve. Possible to observe the Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan and Mountain Tapir. There are also hummingbird feeders and and torrent duck river. Return to our Lodge and along the way possible Spectacled Bear. Farewell Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Overnight Jimenita Lodge, King with chimney
Day
10
GALAPAGOS ISLAND HOPPING, SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS AND PUERTO AYORA
Transfer to Quito Airport. Flight to Baltra. After arriving at Baltra Airport, our guide will pick you up and transfer you to Itabaca Channel to cross by shared-ferry to Santa Cruz Island. Continue with private transportation to the highlands of Santa Cruz to observe Giant tortoises in their natural habitat. These majestic creatures roam freely across private ranches bordering the Galápagos National Park. You'll also explore fascinating lava tunnels, formed by ancient volcanic activity, offering a glimpse into the island’s geological history.
In the afternoon, continue to Puerto Ayora, where you can explore at your leisure. Visit La Ratonera Beach for a relaxing coastal experience or discover the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts in the Galápagos. In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants in town.
Possible Fauna: Giant Tortoises, Sea Lions, Bird Species: Smooth billed Ani, Common Gallinule, Cattle Egret, Galapagos Flycatcher, Galapagos Mockingbird, Yellow Warbler, Green-warbler Finch, Woodpecker Finch, Small Tree-finch, Small Ground-finch, Medium Ground-finch, White-cheeked Pintail, Galapagos Rail, Barn Owl, Comb Duck, Galapagos Hawk, Striated Heron, Great Blue Heron and others.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight: Select Hotel
Guide: Private Naturalist Guide
Giant Tortoise
La Ratonera Beach Puerto Ayora
Land Iguana
Day
11
FULL DAY NORTH SEYMOUR AND SNORKEL BACHAS BEACH
Pick up from your hotel and continue to Itabaca Channel, where we will board the Galaxy Daily. After arriving in North Seymour, we will have a dry landing and immediately start hiking on a 2.5 km trail where we can go clockwise along the coast or head inland first to visit the colony of blue-footed boobies. Get ready to spot land iguanas and marine iguanas; also, a colony of sea lions, lava lizards, frigates, and pelicans! Lunch on-board and afternoon snorkelling in Bachas Beach.
Possible Fauna: Lava Lizards, Green Sea Turtles, Rays, Galapagos Penguin, Sooty Shearwater, Magnificent Frigatebird, Great Frigatebird, Blue-footed Booby, Nazca Booby, Red-footed Booby, American Flamingo, Brown Noody, Galapagos Petrel, Common Cactus Finch, Red-billed Tropicbird, Black-bellied Plover, Red-necked Phalarope, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Brujo Flycatcher, Galapagos Hawk.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch on board
Overnight: Select Hotel
Guide: Shared Naturalist Guide aboard Galaxy Daily
Galaxy Daily Yatch
Blue-footed Booby
Magnifecent Great Frigatebird
Day
12
FULL DAY BARTOLOME PENGUINS AND SNORKEL SULLIBAY BAY
This island, with its iconic pinnacle, is located northwest of Santa Cruz. Upon arriving at Bartolome, we will have a dry landing. Then, we will begin the walk along a path that will take us to the top of the island, through its 395 steps that will end with a spectacular panoramic view of the island and its pinnacle. During the walk, we will observe small lava tunnels that are the product of the last eruption and where endemic vegetation grow, such as lava cacti and tiquilla plants, generally surrounded by Darwin’s finches. Afternoon snorkelling near Bartolome Island for possible Sea Turtles and Galapagos Penguins.
Possible Fauna: Galapagos Penguin, Blue-footed Booby, Galapagos Hawk, American Oystercatcher, Lava Gull, Magnificent Frigatebird, Great Blue Heron, Striated Heron, Laughing Gull, Galapagos Dove, Swallow-tailed Gull, Galapagos Petrel, Franklins Gull, Least Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Red Phalarope, Large-Tree Finch and White-tipped Shark, Rays, Sea Turtles.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch on board
Guide: Shared Naturalist Guide aboard Galaxy Daily
Galapagos Penguin
Meal aboard Galaxy Daily
South Plazas Islands
Day
13
TRANSFER OUT TO BALTRA AIRPORT, FLIGHT TO QUITO, LEISURE AFTERNOON
After breakfast, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport. Upon arrival to Quito, private transfer in to our Jimenita Birding Lodge and leisure afternoon.
FREE OVERNIGHT with Airport transfers and Dinner Included!
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day
14
TRANSFER OUT TO QUITO AIRPORT
24/7 Transfer out to Quito Airport after breakfast. End of Services.
Our Birding Lodges
We will overnight in the following lodges:
Hacienda Jimenita
King Size Suite with chimney
Sachatamia Lodge
Double Room Cabin
San Isidro Lodge
King Room with Balcony
Guaycapi Lodge
Double Room with Balcony
Ikala Lodge First Class Galapagos
Double Room
Fiesta Hotel Tourist Galapagos
Double Room
Finch Bay Luxury Galapagos
Double Room
Testimonials
BRILLIANT BIRDING!
2025
Australia
“We enjoyed a wonderful three week trip to Ecuador, experiencing over 500 species as we travelled from Quito to the Mindo area and then east through a variety of elevations and forests until seeing the Napo river region of the Amazon. Fantastic birds and Harpy Eagle! An awesome enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides, Miguel, Carlos, and Marcelo. Looking forward already to return to enjoy great birding. The lodges were all excellent and great food.” Ken.
An extraordinary memorable experience
2025
Australia
“I participated in a 3 week experience organized with Diego and Ecuador Birding Tours. The trip was well planned and I loved the Condor lookout where there have identified 48 perching sites and we counted six birds flying. I liked how they partnered with other local residents to see their hummingbirds and ant wrens, toucons etc and the choice of hotels was first class. Diego is committed to reforestation and protecting the environment. It was a memorable trip thanks to Diego and Birding Ecuador” Diane.
Andean Cock of the Rock Tour
2025
EEUU
“Fantastic day trip on the Cock-of-the-Rock tour. Saw lots of birds, including the cock-of-the-rock lek, multiple antpitta species, and quetzals. Guide was extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and the included meals were delicious.” Stuart Masson.
Wonderful birding trip! 204 bird species photographed in 7 days!!
2025
EEUU
“Such a great experience. Our personal guide loves his work and was very resourceful at getting us and the birds together. He has 20+ years experience. Plus – he’s a knowledgeable photographer and knows about lighting, angles, and other necessary details! Diego went above and beyond what was required. Thank you Diego and Ecuadorbirdstours.com!” Bobby and family.
Amazing Hummingbird Tour
2025
EEUU
“Amazing trip set up by Diego, I did four days of “Hummingbirding” and saw 38 species of hummers. The food was delicious with good sized portions at the lodges and at the restaurants we stopped at for lunch along the way. Overall a great experience with Ecuador Birds tours and I’m already booking my next trip to return only 7 weeks after I left Ecuador on the first trip. I highly recommend Ecuador Birds Tours! Thank you Diego and Miguel!! Chris Drakis.
Tour Inclusions
The following outlines whats Included and Not Included in our Day Tours:
Welcome Drink
24/7 Private Airport Transfers Airport-Hotel-Airport
Excellent Accommodations
Specialized English-speaking Birding Guide
Entrance Fees to Reserves, Hides, Feeders, Observation Towers
Delicious and Healthy Meals
Ebird Online Birding Report
Ingala Card Pre-registration*
Lobito Bus Balta-Itabaca Channel
Ferry to Santa Cruz
Private and Shared Naturalist Guide
Transportation
2 Full Days aboard Galaxy Daily or similar
Mask and Fins
Quality Services
Souvenir Ecuador Birds Tours Cup and Buff
Personal Expenses
Alcoholic and Soft Drinks
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Airport Assistance
Ingala Card $20 per person
Local Flights $500.00 per person
Other meals not listed in itinerary
Personal Expenses
Other activities
Laundry
Travel Insurance
Tips
Birding and Wildlife
Hiking
Antpitta Photography Hides
Observation Tower Spectacled Bear Viewing Point
Waterfall Landscapes
Hiking Trails
Snorkelling
Dry and Wet Landing
Birding and Photography
Wildlife Observation
Leisure time in Puerto Ayora
Trip Reports
2025
Birding Report Ecuador: 9 Days Andes, West, East Report - 290 Birds!
2025
Birding Report Ecuador: 9 Days Andes, West, East Report - 313 Birds!
2025
Birding Report Ecuador: 9 Days Andes, West, East Report - 261 Birds!
2025
Birding Report Ecuador: 8 Days Andes, West, East Report - 260 Birds!
2024
Birding Report Ecuador: 9 Days Andes, West, East Report - 338 Birds!
2023
Birding Report Ecuador: 9 Days Andes, West, East Report - 286 Birds!
2023
Birding Report Ecuador: 9 Days Andes, West, East Report - 226 Birds!
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Diego Cruz
Sales & Operation Manager
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